If you thought it was hard shopping for big and tall chairs, try shopping for short and small in traditional office chair stores.
Unlike the higher end of the spectrum, few companies make specialized products for the more petite among us. It’s almost impossible to find a smaller office chair with proper postural support, let alone one that keeps your feet from dangling over the edge like it’s a Disneyland roller coaster.
But hold onto those armrests, as I’ve identified ten office chairs that work perfectly for those on the shorter side. No more sacrificing on proper ergonomics — if you’re seeking the best office chair for short people, this article provides a shortcut (no pun intended) towards a better work environment.
How We Evaluated These Office Chairs for Short People
As someone who sits just above the “short person” cut off (I’m about 5’8″), it took a lot of research and physical inspection to identify the best office chairs for short persons.
Equipped with my trusty keyboard and handy tape measure, I analyzed dozens of today’s most popular office chairs, measuring their stats against the following criteria:
1. Dimensions – The most critical factor in determining whether an office chair is suitable for short people is its overall dimensions. In general, an appropriate-sized seat for users under 5’6″ should sit no more than 19″ from the floor and feature a depth of 18″ or less (the lower, the better).
2. Ergonomics – As you probably know, height and armrest adaptability are essential in small office chairs, as they provide a flexible foundation for your entire body. Although slightly less crucial, seat depth and backrest height mechanisms offer additional, personalized support for various leg and torso lengths.
3. Comfort – An office chair must provide enough comfort to keep you cozy throughout the workday. I tested countless fabric and mesh office chairs, comparing my findings against prominent user reviews to accurately represent how they really feel.
4. Craftsmanship – You deserve to sit in the lap of luxury, and the best office chairs for short people offer top-tier nylon and metal components alongside multi-year warranties for peace of mind.
5. Price – The team at SitWorkPlay believes that proper support is non-negotiable. To help you stretch your budget as far as possible and get the best bang for your buck, I compared the best small office chairs in price ranges from $100 to $1500.
After comparing dozens of office chairs, I settled on the following list. You can be sure that it reflects the best office chairs for short people, our rigorous testing process a testament to their overall performance.
Our 10 Best Office Chairs for Short People of 2021
- Best Office Chair for Short People Overall: Herman Miller Aeron (Size A)
- Best Ergonomic Office Chair for Short People: Steelcase Leap
- Best Petite Office Chair: OM Seating Paramount Petite
- Best Budget Office Chair for Short People: Alera Etros Petite
- Best Supportive Office Chair for Short People: all33 BackStrong C1
- Best Minimal Office Chair for Short People: Knoll ReGeneration
- Best Gaming Chair for Short People: AKRacing California
- Best Comfy Office Chair for Short People: Neutral Posture XSM
- Best Executive Office Chair for Short People: Humanscale Freedom
- Best Task Chair for Short People: Steelcase Series 1
Best Office Chair for Short People Overall: Herman Miller Aeron (Size A)
- Price: $1,545
- Height: 38.5 inches
- Weight: 40 lbs
- Best for: Adjustability, breathability
- Available Colors: Black, Graphite, Mineral
- Warranty: 12 Years
- Return Period: 30 Days
- Shipping: Free
- Seat depth measures 16″, and seat height starts at 15″
- PostureFit SL Pads adjust for personalized lumbar support, no matter your height
- Pellicle mesh provides full-body support and breathability
Herman Miller’s Aeron is the best-selling office chair in the world — now available in a super-small frame! While The Aeron (Size A) lacks some higher-end adaptability like seat depth mechanics, everything just works right out of the box.
The Aeron measures 16″ deep and 15″ tall, making it suitable for users around the 5′ mark. Meanwhile, the armrests sit around 16″ apart, providing a compact sitting area ideal for smaller users. While 16″ may seem constrictive, it actually feels quite roomy, Aeron’s elastic mesh fabric expanding ever-so-slightly as you move from task to task.
Whether you prefer to plant your feet flat on the floor or enjoy a gentle rocking motion that keeps your blood pumping, Herman Miller’s proprietary Harmonic Tilt technology supports every posture and sitting position. The Aeron is the ideal short-sized office, and it’s made in the USA from premium components, all backed by a 12-year warranty.
Pros
- Made in the USA out of premium components
- Harmonic Tilt system provides a lovely rocking motion and smooth recline
- Adaptable armrests sit roughly 16″ apart, providing a suitable framework for smaller users
Cons
- Armrests lack width adjustment
- No seat depth mechanism for personalized support
Best Ergonomic Office Chair for Short People: Steelcase Leap
- Price: $1,089
- Height: 43.5 inches
- Weight: 46.7 lbs
- Best for: Adaptability, ergonomic support
- Available Colors: Black, Graphite
- Warranty: 12 Years
- Return Period: 14 Days
- Shipping: Free
- Seat depth measures 15.75″ to 18.75″, and seat height starts at 15.5″
- LiveBack® flexes as you move, ensuring consistent support across your entire spine
- Natural Glide System™ automatically adjusts pelvic positioning as you move forward and lean back
The Steelcase Leap isn’t just one of my favorite office chairs — it’s also among the best options for short people! The reason is simple: the Steelcase Leap is incredibly adaptable, letting you shrink or extend each component down to match your specific needs.
A great example of the Leap’s adaptability is its armrests. You can adjust their height from 7″ to 11″ above the seat and maneuver their width anywhere from 12.75″ to 20″. While the armrests may wobble a bit when extended to capacity, that’s not particularly surprising considering their expansive range of four-directional movement.
The entire seat pan also starts at 15.5″ above the floor, and the depth begins at 15.75″. In other words, you can scoot back and touch your feet to the floor, even when you’re 5′ tall. Hop into the Steelcase Leap, lean back, and sink into pure bliss as the Natural Glide System™ supports your body like a custom-fitted tux.
Pros
- 4D armrests adjust from roughly 13″ to 20″ in width
- Lumbar support adjusts several inches to accommodate smaller users
- Provides tried-and-true performance atop a classic ‘office style’ frame
Cons
- Armrests rattle when extended too far from neutral position
- Notch-based lumbar support isn’t as practical as other built-in options
Best Petite Office Chair: OM Seating Paramount Petite
- Price: $413.99
- Height: 38.5 inches
- Weight: 54 lbs
- Best for: Tiny users, big ergonomics
- Available Colors: 25 color options
- Warranty: 7 Years
- Return Period: Varies
- Shipping: Varies
- Seat depth measures 16″ to 19″, and seat height starts at 15.5″
- Cushions incorporate several inches of thick, plush foam
- Provides seat depth and backrest height settings
The OM Seating Paramount Petite reminds me of a fun-size candy bar, its small frame and bright colors providing a delicious combination of form and function. Everything about the Paramount Petite is miniaturized, from the 16″ seat depth to the 15.5″ starting height, making it the best option for users under 5′ tall.
Perhaps the most impressive part of the Paramount Petite is the inclusion of many high-end ergonomic features. It comes with seat depth, backrest height, and forward tilt settings, as well as an array of other personalization options. Although adjusting specific settings requires multiple complicated steps, better to have the option than none at all.
The best part about the Paramount Petite is that you’re not paying a premium for such a personalized chair. It starts at just $400, though you’ll probably need to go to a specialty dealer to find one.
Pros
- Comes with height-adjustable armrests; can upgrade to 3D for more precise support
- Supports over 5′ of forward tilt, relieving pressure on your lower body while working
- Lovely minimal aesthetic looks as cute as a button
Cons
- Challenging to find from standard retailers
- Some of the adjustments require multiple steps, making it difficult to change on the fly
Best Budget Office Chair for Short People: Alera Etros Petite
- Price: $210
- Height: 41.75 inches
- Weight: 52 lbs
- Best for: Shorter users on a budget
- Available Colors: Black
- Warranty: 5 Years
- Return Period: 30 Days
- Shipping: Free
- Seat depth measures 16.125″ to 17.375″, and seat height starts at 17.875″
- 2D armrests are height- and width-adjustable to suit users of varying sizes
- Adjustable backrest height with versatile lumbar support enhances postural stability
The Alera Etros Petite has been around for about a decade now, and it’s a popular option among short customers on a budget. For under $200 (it’s regularly on sale), you gain access to a petite chair with a 16″ seat depth, alongside features like 2D armrests and adjustable backrest support.
Unlike the Paramount Petite mentioned above, it’s also super easy to use. Just pull up on any of its triple levers, and you can adjust the full range of components, including height, tilt, and recline.
One important caveat is that those on the shortest side of the spectrum may want to grab a footrest alongside the Alera Etros. While its sub-18″ height is smaller than most office chairs, it may still be a tad too tall for some users.
Pros
- Triple-lever system makes it easy to adjust settings
- Comes with a full range of tilt settings, including tension and lock mechanisms
- Incorporates several inches of foam and a breathable mesh backrest
Cons
- Taller ~18″ seat height may require a footstool for proper ergonomics
- Lacks forward tilt; only supports backward motion
Best Supportive Office Chair for Short People: all33 BackStrong C1
- Price: $799
- Height: 44 inches
- Weight: 48.86 lbs
- Best for: Posture, back support
- Available Colors: Black, Red, Tan
- Warranty: Lifetime
- Return Period: 60 Days
- Shipping: Free
- Officially accommodates users 4′ 11″ and up
- Seat depth measures 17.5″, and seat height starts at 18.75″
- Sit in Motion® seat pivots as you work, providing a healthful, ergonomic foundation for your work activities
The all33 BackStrong C1 is among my favorite office chairs. While most models simply reiterate the same old functions, all33 innovates with supportive new features you won’t find anywhere else. Chief among these features is the company’s Sit in Motion® seat that pivots while you work, supporting proper posture and encouraging circulation for better health and performance throughout the day.
While the all33 officially supports users from 4′ 11″ and up, its larger width can make it difficult for petite users to take full advantage of the armrests. For that reason, I mostly recommend it to users 5’4″ and above. If you meet that criteria, the BackStrong C1 is the most supportive chair you can find.
Pros
- Installation takes less than ten minutes
- Backrest ensures perfect posture, eliminating back pain over the long term
- Comes with height, tilt, and 360° swivel mechanisms
Cons
- Foldaway armrests don’t provide width or pivoting mechanisms
- Larger than most competing seats on this list; not as suitable for petite under 5’4″
Best Minimal Office Chair for Short People: Knoll ReGeneration
- Price: $647
- Height: 43.3 inches
- Weight: 28 lbs
- Best for: Ease of use, minimalism
- Available Colors: Espresso, Meteor, Olive, Onyx, Pebble
- Warranty: 12 Years
- Return Period: 14 Days
- Shipping: Free
- Seat depth measures 16″ to 18″, and seat height starts at 15″
- Flex-back net elastomer moves with your spine, responding to every micromovement
- Dynamic Suspension™ flexes as you adjust position, ensuring proper lower body and lumbar support
The Knoll ReGeneration is among the smallest and lightest office chairs on the market. While not explicitly designed for shorter individuals, its unique frame makes it more than suitable for small people.
What sets the ReGeneration apart is its elastomer construction. You’ll find this unique material built into every aspect of the chair, from the strange-looking backrest to the Dynamic Suspension™ seat that flexes in four different directions. Such versatility also carries over to the chair’s ergonomics, where you’ll find an adjustable seat depth starting at 16″ and a height that begins just 15″ from the floor.
While the elastomer seat provides a fair amount of comfort, I dislike the abysmally thin cushions placed on top. I find that it diminishes the overall look of the chair and does little to support your body.
Pros
- Lightweight and easy to maneuver
- Unique design lets you sit comfortably in any direction, forward or sideways
- Comes with height-adjustable armrests (4D for an extra ~$100) to accommodate users of varying sizes
Cons
- Base model features a measly 2″ or so of foam cushioning
- Add-ons quick propel the overall cost into the thousands
Best Gaming Chair for Short People: AKRacing California
- Price: $469
- Height: 47.4 inches
- Weight: 50 lbs
- Best for: Gaming for shorter builds
- Available Colors: Laguna, Napa, Tahoe
- Warranty: 5 Years
- Return Period: 30 Days
- Shipping: Free
- Seat depth measures 17.7″, and seat height starts at 13.75″
- Boasts several inches of thick, luxurious cold-cure foam cushioning
- 3D arrests ensure proper arm support in every position
AKRacing brings the racing-style gaming chair craze to a whole new user base with its California series. This lineup of chairs takes inspiration from the West Coast racing mecca and comes in three appropriately-named colors: Laguna, Napa, and Tahoe. But it’s not just fancy naming conventions that earn it a spot on this list; the AKRacing is actually incredibly ergonomic for short people.
To start things off, AKRacing incorporates a 5-star nylon base, complete with smooth-rolling casters and a Class IV gas lift up top. These foundational components provide a starting height of 14″ and carry the petite seat pan, which measures only 15″ wide and 17.7″ deep. From here, you can customize the experience to your liking, with 3D height- and width-adjustable armrests, as well as tilt and recline mechanisms that bring the backrest 180° parallel with the floor.
The only challenge you may run into is initial assembly. With such poorly-written instructions, you may have better luck piecing together a real race car than the AKRacing California.
Pros
- Reclines down to 180° parallel with the floor
- Comes with variable tilt and a dedicated tilt lock
- Seat width measures 15″, suitable for smaller frames
Cons
- Expensive price considering mid-level brand
- Challenging assembly thanks to a sparse instruction manual
Best Comfy Office Chair for Short People: Neutral Posture XSM
- Price: $925.17
- Height: 42.75 inches
- Weight: 60 lbs
- Best for: Comfort
- Available Colors: Cranberry, Graphite, Mustard, Navy, Sage, Tangerine, and more
- Warranty: 12 Years
- Return Period: 30 Days
- Shipping: Free
- Seat depth measures 15.5″ to 20.75″, and seat height starts at 15.75″
- Thick foam seat comes with passive weight dispersion for unbeatable comfort
- Seat depth and back height adjustments offer fine-tune control over the sitting experience
It seems like smaller office chairs always get the short end of the stick. With so much emphasis on supporting various heights, the designers often forget about essential elements like comfort. But not the Neutral Posture XSM. This high-end, short office chair is among the comfiest out there, its thick foam cushions providing a cozy base for users around 5′ tall. Factor in the built-in lumbar support that inflates like a helium balloon, and you’ll feel like you’re floating blissfully among the clouds.
The XSM comes with all the right specs, including a seat depth of 15.5″ and a height of 15.75″. It also comes with 1D, height-adjustable armrests. While you can opt for extras like 3D armrests and even a built-in footrest, that bumps the price well above the thousand-dollar mark. Fortunately, the base model provides proper ergonomic support for most users.
Pros
- Smooth adjustment mechanisms make it easy to change positions
- Inflatable lumbar offers customizable lower back support
- 17″ seat width works for small users yet provides ample breathing room
Cons
- Extra features add hundreds to final price
- No direct to consumer option; must be purchased from a third-party reseller
Best Executive Office Chair for Short People: Humanscale Freedom
- Price: $1,249
- Height: 53 inches
- Weight: 38 lbs
- Best for: Easy usage, intuitive adjustments
- Available Colors: Ash, Azure, Black, Boysenberry, Charcoal, Dark Brown, Driftwood, Glacier, Medium Gray, Peacock, Winterberry
- Warranty: 15 Years
- Return Period: 30 Days
- Shipping: Free
- Seat depth measures 17.5″ to 19.5″, and seat height starts at 16″
- Adjusts based on your center of gravity, providing proper recline in every position
- Synchronous armrests and articulating headrest move with the seat, continually supporting your upper body
Task and mid-back chairs are ideal for many situations, but sometimes your body craves a full-size executive backrest with enhanced support and comfort. If you’re on the shorter side looking for an office chair with a headrest, the Humanscale Freedom is the best option.
One of the reasons the Freedom is so ideal for shorter users is its adaptable hands-free design. Although it comes with plenty of ergonomic features like seat slide and back height adjustment, it also conforms to your body on the fly. With every move you make, the Freedom shifts alongside you, taking the seat, backrest, armrests, and headrest along for the ride.
If there’s one nitpick I have, it’s the Freedom’s thin Technogel seat cushion. Fortunately, it doesn’t feel as bad for shorter, lighter users as it does for the heavier among us. But even then, you may find yourself craving the comfort of traditional, dense foam.
Pros
- Simple design adapts with you, requiring minimal adjustments
- Headrest gives you something to lean back against during long, stressful days
- Excellent built quality backed by a best-in-class 15-year warranty
Cons
- Lacks the comfort of foam or even mesh seats
- Height-adjustable armrests don’t pivot or move in and out, providing a minimum width of 18″
Best Task Chair for Short People: Steelcase Series 1
- Price: $445
- Height: 41.25 inches
- Weight: 69 lbs
- Best for: Ergonomic essentials in a small footprint
- Available Colors: 29 color options
- Warranty: 12 Years
- Return Period: 14 Days
- Shipping: Free
- Seat depth measures 15.5″ to 17.75″, and seat height starts at 16.5″
- Tilt activates as you change position, adjusting to your center of gravity on the fly
- LiveBack™ flexors and lumbar system ensure proper lower back support throughout the day
Big things come in small packages. As one of the smallest “standard” office chairs around, the Steelcase Series 1 is a natural fit for shorter people.
For less than $500, the Series 1 provides access to Steelcase’s incredible ecosystem of quality components. That includes the company’s LiveBack™ technology, which flexes with your back for posture-perfect support across your lumbar area. It also provides Steelcase’s iconic tilt functionality and 4D armrests that offer precise control over arm height and seat width — essential features in the best chair for short persons.
While I dislike how much wobble the armrests give when fully extended, it’s a small sacrifice to make for such an ergonomic seat.
Pros
- Gain access to Steelcase’s legendary quality for under $500
- 4D armrests let you adjust to a 16″ seat width, as measured from one armrest to another
- Foam features adaptable bolstering and a contoured edge for reduced pressure on your lower body
Cons
- Limited recline settings for more relaxed usage
- Many users complain that the armrests feel a bit flimsy when extended
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